Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
Niamh Smyth TD serves as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, making her the first minister in the history of the State to hold a designated AI portfolio.
In that role, Minister Smyth is leading a significant programme of work to drive the adoption and deployment of artificial intelligence across Irish business and industry, providing enterprises with targeted support, training and practical guidance.
First elected to local government in 2009, Minister Smyth has represented her constituents in Dáil Éireann since 2016, returned on three successive occasions. She holds the distinction of being the first woman ever elected as a TD in Cavan. Minister Smyth is the grand-niece of Paddy Smith, the longest-serving member of the Dáil.
Prior to her ministerial appointment in February 2025, Minister Smyth chaired the Oireachtas Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, where she led the high-profile investigation into payments at RTÉ. In that role, she was also a committed advocate for Ireland's cultural heritage, championing the traditions and shared experiences that connect communities across the island.
Minister Smyth holds a Bachelor's in Art and Design from NCAD, a Postgraduate qualification in Dance Education from the University of Limerick, and a Master's in Curatorial Studies from IADT Dún Laoghaire.